Glyphosate degradation in aqueous medium using advanced oxidative processes

Abstract

Research indicates that water contamination by pesticides is growing exponentially every day. The herbicide that has stood out as a potential cause of danger to human health is glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine), a systemic and non-selective controller that is widely used in the current scenario. Due to this adversity, the need arises for studies aiming at efficient, adequate and viable treatment for this herbicide. The treatments that have gained prominence for their efficiency are advanced oxidative electrochemical processes, which produce highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals and are capable of oxidizing compounds that are difficult to degrade. In this scenario, the aim of this study is to apply and compare different types of advanced oxidative electrochemical processes (Fenton, Electro-Fenton, Photoelectron and Photoelectro-Fenton) in the degradation of the commercial glyphosate-containing herbicide Roundup®. For this purpose will be used oxide electrodes and variations of iron and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, in order to optimize oxidation conditions seeking mineralization and the best cost/benefit of treatment. (AU)